**photo courtesy of the Western Illinois University Facebook Page
With changes in the number of students attending colleges or universities, those institutions are put in a spot where adjustments have to be made to remain financially stable and sustainable. Recently, Western Illinois University faced that pivotal moment where a reduction in staff had to be made and departments were consolidated; however, Interim President Dr. Kristi Mindrup says the focus remains on those student experiences:
“We really want to deliver on our commitment to align with the Thrive Illinois Initiative that fosters equity and access for first generation students, as well as traditionally underrepresented students. In doing that, to address workforce education, mental health and healthcare. We also want to align our commitment to serve rural West Central Illinois workforce needs, whether that is innovative partnerships, as well as student experiences before, during, and after college that prepare them and line them up with an academic program that leads them to those pathways that help them accomplish their goals, as well as contribute to the industry of their choice after they graduate. We also want to make sure that we are expanding into new markets, so knowing that the population has changed, we want to innovate in new ways that attract adult students, students who are wanting to learn at a distance, as well as looking at opportunities to provide professional development certification in addition to our outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. Then finally, making sure that our students have a wonderful experience while they are here at the university.”
Additionally, Dr. Mindrup shares construction is underway on Western’s campus in Macomb for the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts, which is the center of their capital focus, creating a community hub for the performing arts in the West Central Illinois region.
